Transport Minister Catherine King has been caught in a “web of contradictions” over why extra flights from Qatar Airways wasn’t in the national interest, according to Sky News host Sharri Markson. The government has come under fire over the minister’s decision to block Qatar Airways’ bid for extra flights into Australia as Labor maintains that it was in the national interest. Ms Markson said after weeks of “ducking and weaving” over why the government made the decision, Ms King held a media conference on Thursday to try and settle the matter, but her answer only landed her in a “world of pain”. “The minister gave the strong indication that she denied Qatar’s request because of a human rights issue – specifically, the treatment of five Australian women who were subject to invasive strip searches at Qatar airport three years ago,” she said. “King is now being accused of contradicting herself.”
Transport Minister Catherine King has been caught in a “web of contradictions” over why extra flights from Qatar Airways wasn’t in the national interest, according to Sky News host Sharri Markson.
The government has come under fire over the minister’s decision to block Qatar Airways’ bid for extra flights into Australia as Labor maintains that it was in the national interest. Ms Markson said after weeks of “ducking and weaving” over why the government made the decision, Ms King held a media conference on Thursday to try and settle the matter, but her answer only landed her in a “world of pain”.
“The minister gave the strong indication that she denied Qatar’s request because of a human rights issue – specifically, the treatment of five Australian women who were subject to invasive strip searches at Qatar airport three years ago,” she said.
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